CASE IH MAGNUM 225CVT TRACTOR

the case ih Magnum 225CVT tractor was specifically developed for North American farms. According to Ryan Schaefer, Manager of HHP Tractor Marketing for North America, this tractor was built to take the place of older tractors in the Case IH lineup in order to meet the changing needs of their customers while at the same time maintaining the performance those customers have come to expect from the brand.

Three grain farmers from the Lindsay area of the Kawartha Lakes Region gave us their opinion on how well it meets their expectations of a tractor in their equipment fleet.

They first commented on the tractor’s Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) system which maintains engine speed while either maintaining or varying ground speed. The benefit of this system can be seen during high draft load environments, such as when you are pulling a planter as the Magnum was during our Field Tested trial.

PHOTO: VIEW FROM THE CAB.

Keith Buckley said with the high cost of fuel today, a CVT system offers the fuel efficiency that he wants. “CVT is great for planting. It will shift up and down automatically and will control your speed. A lot of the land we get in nowadays are big fields and up and down hills and it is great that the CVT will keep your engine revs and speeds consistent so the tractor isn’t over revving – it just runs along steady and that’s what you need to get high efficient fuel usage.”

Buckley also noted, “running up and down the road with the higher speed transmission – with the amount of cars and trucks on the roads these days we can hopefully get on the roads and off the roads and get to where we are going faster.”

Jim Callaghan, who has previous experience with a CVT system, agreed with that benefit. “We use it a lot for when we are running the roads and hauling the wagons, you can speed up quickly and manage the rpms quite well.”

The CVT is a feature that Joe Hickson also agreed is a great option, but noted. “You need more experienced drivers running it, but as long as the driver is trained to utilize the option you will see a benefit from it. The extra training is worth it.”

One area where extra training isn’t necessary is the basic tractor control system. Case IH is the only manufacturer to offer a common control system across all of their tractor platforms, which makes it easier to move between machines. The cab of the tractor we tested also featured a single monitor, the Pro 700, which Schaefer said was designed with “the goal of integrating advanced farming systems and technology without reducing visibility and space.” Any compatible implement can be monitored and controlled through this monitor.

It’s a feature that Callaghan appreciates. “The layout of the cab I quite like with the monitor being right at your fingertips where you aren’t cranked around trying to access it. It’s there right at the end of your hands. Everything handles quite nice inside the tractor.”

The Magnum 225 also provides a comfortable ride due to its surround frame design. “It doesn’t rely on the engine to provide support,” explained Schaefer. “The surround frame allows us to isolation mount the engine which cuts down on vibration to the operator platform and creates a quieter running machine.”

PHOTO: MONITOR AND CONTROLS.

The surround frame also reduces the amount of counterweight that is needed on the front of the tractor. “It’s a definite benefit for counterbalancing in the field operations. They’ve balanced it so that you are getting the most amount of traction out of the front wheel assist,” explained Hickson

Buckley agreed. “It takes the bumps out of the rider and keeps the tractor tires to the ground so you get full traction and that’s what it is all about.”

And because there is more clearance to turn the front tires, Schaefer says the tractor also has an improved turning radius – making it easier to turn back on 12 and 16 row planting equipment.

The Magnum 225 CVT adheres to Tier 4A emission standards. Case IH put a lot of investment into research and development in order to manufacture a tractor that not only reduces emissions but also provides more power and runs more efficiently. It uses a Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system to treat exhaust emissions.

Hickson said he “relies on the manufacturers to fill the bill” when it comes to meeting regulations such as emission standards and appreciates the fact this system gives him one less thing to worry about.

Callaghan echoed that sentiment. “I have a limited understanding of the system,” he said. “But we all want to reduce emissions as much as possible. If we can implement a system that can do that and decrease fuel consumption, I am all for that.”

When asked if he would recommend the Magnum 225CVT tractor to another farmer, Hickson replied, “to me the piece of equipment is only as good as the dealer support behind it. That’s why we run Case IH. We have to be running on days when the sun is shining. It doesn’t matter if it is a Monday afternoon or a Sunday morning – if we are down, our local dealer is just a phone call away from getting us up and going.”

Watch a video version of this review here:

In the next installment of Field Tested, we review the Case IH 1240 Early Riser Planter. Look for it in October. •

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